A Walk About In The Big Easy

One of the things that makes falling for New Orleans so easy is the incredible array of things going on in the city. From cultural events to it’s world famous music scene there is always something to mark on the calender. This past weekend John and I took the street car downtown and meandered around until we ended up on Frenchman St. There was a book fair going on in this bohemian street that day and we were eager to check it out. True to the city’s style the book fair had a life of it’s own with the booths being set up up and down the street and into favorite watering holes complete with live jazz and blues. We met several independent authors, watched as a seemingly random second line jazz parade erupted down the street, and found out that this book fair had a definite edge as the closing ceremony was to be a burlesque show! Much to John’s disappointment we couldn’t hang around until the burlesque show but on the way back uptown we did run into some friends and watched a performing arts group put on a Tableaux on the trendy Julia St. Here is part one of our photo essay from just one day in the Big Easy. Sit back, grab a drink, and maybe even turn on that funky jazz channel and follow us along on a walk about in the Big Easy.

Waiting For One Of Our Fav Modes Of Transport, The Historic St. Charles Streetcar

(more…)

Charleston: Hop & Jaunt’s Top Five Things To Do

Romantic, vibrant, and deeply historic, Charleston, South Carolina, was so much more than we expected. Though I’m a huge New Orleans fan with it’s architecture, culture, and it’s unique character I have to say that Charleston is now a formidable contender for a “unique city to visit” in the U.S.

The Customs House

St. Philip’s Church

If New Orleans is the slightly rowdy, fun loving, center of the party type of kid on the block, then Charleston would be it’s more mature and gentle older brother with a softer Southern accent.

We stayed in Charleston for about 5 days visiting my ever nomadic parents who had recently moved there. Here are the top 5 things we recommend to do while visiting Charleston!

1.) Walk, Walk, and Walk around the historic down town!

On the first day we took a long walk around the old neighborhoods in the downtown area. Spring is the perfect time of year to go, as all of the trees and flowers were in bloom and the meticulously maintained lawns of the giant historic homes glisten. I just love walking around unique neighborhoods and in this regard Charleston does not disappoint. Almost every other house is adorned with a plaque stating it’s role in the history and development of America. For such a young country it’s one of the few places you can go and say “ah, this house is 200 yrs old” “but this one is 348 yrs old” “George Washington slept here after his party at the Exchange Building.” The recent economic downturn might have something to do with the many “for sale” signs we saw out on the lawns. But our fantasy of picking up one of these “charming” ten bedroom historic houses was soon crushed by reality when the second Mazeratti was seen in the driveway…we might have a while to go before we could move into this neighborhood! But getting lost in this old world charm is free, so grab your walking stick and a camera!

A Rather Charming House

Another Rather Charming House

“The Marriage Compromise House” So called due to it’s two different styled front balconies that the each spouse wanted while building their new home

The Unique Charleston Style Homes are facing sideways with large porches in order to maximize getting air flow throughout the house

The best part of walking through the neighborhoods and it’s multitude of architectural styles is that most of the houses are still real homes, with families that maintain the buildings. For those curious to see how the better half lived in the past there are a few house museums you can tour in as well.

Find Out What Else To Do While In Charleston! (more…)

The Blue Sea At 10,515 feet

Qinghai Lake, written as 青海湖 translates literally as ‘blue sea lake’. It is the largest lake in China. The reason it’s often referred to as a “sea” is that this lake, which sits at 10,515 feet elevation, is SALTY! This lake also happens to be the largest body of saline water found in China. The lake is famous for it’s almost surreal turquoise glow. The color of the water is one of the most unique I’ve ever seen, caused by the low oxygen levels in the lake. Or by the nuclear testing done back in the ’50s and ’60s… either way it’s an out of this world view.

Qinghai Lake at 10,500ft

I was fortunate enough to get a chance to travel to this remote “wild west” region of China for a couple of days with my Dad. I was living in Shanghai for a few months at the time and he was in the country on business. Heading west together we got to explore a whole new face of China, a world away from the bustling smog enshrined metropolis of Beijing and Shanghai, together.

Qinghai is the western most (un)official providence in China. To it’s northwest is the  Xianiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and to it’s southwest is the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. There are a few don’t miss places to see while in the area, the Blue Sea Lake and the Kumbum Monastery. Today, let me take you around the lake district.

To get to the lake we rode on a min-van across vibrantly green plateaus for an hour or two, stopping off at a Tibetan Buddhist shrine built on a hill in the middle of no-where to stretch our legs.

A Small Village We Passed By, The Yellow Flowers Are Harvested For It’s Oil

I don’t recall the name of this small shrine, but I do know that it was built for an important female deity. Though there are only a few building that might house people in sight along the horizon, the shrine happens to be right off the two lane highway to the lake. It is a big enough tourist bus stop to ensure roadside vendors, entry ticket salesmen, and locals dressed in traditional clothing either selling the clothing or selling the opportunity to take a picture with them.

Ticket Vendors. The Traditional Coats That The Locals Wore Are Perfect For The Climate, Thick And Warm (Plus Great Style)

It’s definitely worth the stop! Not just to stretch your legs but to walk up the little hill and take in the scenery, colors, and the beautifully ornate temple. There are yaks laying about with their traditional Tibetan outfits on (pay per snap), and several local merchants to buy the ornate jackets from. The air is so much thinner up at those heights that I remember feeling out of breath just from the short hike up. Also it was quite chilly, even during mid-summer, and the strong winds were a never-abating!

After the short lay-over at the temple we headed on ward towards the “Ocean In The Sky.” The pictures really don’t do it justice, as the color of the water seemed to glow, it reminded me of blue kryptonite for some reason….

(more…)

Getting Lost In The Forbidden City

It was one of those overcast and muggy summer days in Beijing when you could feel the grime from the city clinging to your moist skin. I had gotten up that morning bright and early. I bade my host family good bye with a series of hand gestures headed off towards the center of the city. After a couple of crowed buses and subway ride I found myself looking across the People’s Square and into Mao’s giant eyes. I say giant because there is a giant portrait of the former leader over the main entrance to the Forbidden City.

Forbidden City Gateway

Enter The Forbidden City

Look At The Guy Up There, The Buildings Are Massive

Máo Zédōng’s Gaze

(These videos where my first attempt at recording a trip back a few years back, thus I didn’t know better than to hold the camera still longer. You’ll see what I mean as these videos goes on…)

I was excited to head inside and explore, I had hear of the Great Wall of China, and have been there several days earlier, but I had not heard or learned much about the Forbidden City until arriving in Beijing. What I found was one of the most awe inspiring and amazing places I have ever been.
(more…)

Andalusia, AL – A Stroll Down Memory Lane

HOP & JAUNT LLC

It’s our third month in Andalusia, Alabama I am happy to report that HOP & JAUNT, LLC is doing well. Alyson and I couldn’t be prouder of our modest company. We had always wanted to start our own business. In the past we would spend hours pitching all kinds of crazy business ideas and company names to each other. I never would have thought that our business would end up being named HOP & JAUNT, …but I really like it. Its much better than my previous favorite name of “ThunderCORP”.

We’ve been back stateside for over 3 months now. Initially we had travel withdrawals upon arriving in Andalusia, Alabama, which made us feel depressed or anxious. Though we did get our picture on the front page of the Andalusia Star News that brightened our day! Since we’ve got the company going time has just flown by. We’ve been putting in some pretty heavy hours. We open up shop around 8 in the morning and usually close up sometime after 10pm. I have to say that it makes a difference working overtime when you are doing it for yourself.

Since we’ve been working so hard, today we decided to reward ourselves by going out and exploring a little bit of

my hometown, Andalusia, Alabama

.

Welcome to Andalusia

We spent the morning exploring Andalusia, Alabama’s Town History Museum. Its a humble museum located in an old train depot, but inside we found some pretty cool things. Turns out the city had gotten it’s name not from Andalusia, Spain but from a legendary horse! How the city came to be named Andalusia is a story of local legend. Andalusian was the breed of a legendary white stallion name “Destinado”. The horse’s unmatched speed, strength and courage enabled Creek Indian Chief “Red Eagle” to escape capture while battling over land against white troops. Supposedly, the town square is built around the site of the horse’s burial place which was marked by a Poplar tree with the words “Destinado Andalusia” carved into the trunk. That’s the official story of how Andalusia, AL, became well…Andalusia!

A Mural of the Legend of Andalusia

Walking through the museum was like stepping back into another era. Since we were the only two people there we were able to really take our time and get a personal tour from the curator. Admission to the museum is FREE.

An Old Alabama School Room

The Clark Family Log Cabin

The Old Clark Family Home

Alyson had a fun time playing around in the exhibits.

(more…)